Why do top trumpet players talk less about routines and more about people? This episode explores how being in the right rooms, hearing great playing up close, and sitting next to the right musicians can reset your internal standard in ways no system or warmup can. It's about sharpening what you listen for and changing how you approach the horn.

Guest Manny Laureano reflects on feeling incredibly fortunate for the mentors, colleagues, and encounters that shaped his life, from growing up in East Harlem and finding music through public school to scholarships, Music & Art High School, Juilliard, and experiences with major artists.

Manny also shares how he passed those lessons on through decades with the Minnesota Youth Symphonies, and the episode highlights his long tenure as principal trumpet of the Minnesota Orchestra, his influence, and continued work after retiring in summer 2025, including leading the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra.

00:00 Why Real Pros Talk With and About People (in a good way)

00:59 Exposure Resets Standards

03:06 Passing It Along

04:06 Manny Laureano on Gratitude and Connections

07:22 About Manny Laureano

10:48 Sponsor And Sign Off

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